Screening with a validated screening tool (for example, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer and Problem Checklist), assessment and referral to appropriate health professionals or organisations is required to meet the identified needs of an individual, their carer and family.

In addition to the other common issues outlined in the Appendix, specific needs that may arise at this time include the following.

Physical needs

• Physical symptoms such as pain, fatigue and musculoskeletal dysfunction may require extra support.
• Decline in mobility and/or functional status affecting the patient’s discharge destination will need to be considered.
• Fatigue or change in functional abilities is a common symptom, and patients may benefit from referral to occupational therapy and/or physiotherapy.
• Reduced oral intake and/or swallowing difficulties and weight loss require referral to a dietitian and speech pathologist (for swallowing difficulties).

Psychological needs

• Patients, carers and families may need strategies to deal with emotional and psychological distress from anticipatory grief, fear of death/dying, anxiety/depression, interpersonal problems and anticipatory bereavement support.
• Patients who experience existential distress may benefit from supportive psychotherapy.

Social/practical needs

• Provide support for the practical, financial and impacts on carers and family members resulting from the increased care needs of the patient.
• Offer specific support for families where a parent is dying and will leave behind bereaved children or adolescents, creating special family needs.
• Ensure the patient attends appointments.
• Patients may experience isolation from their normal support networks, particularly for rural patients who are staying away from home for treatment.
• Provide support for financial issues related to loss of income and additional expenses because of the illness and/or treatment.
• Help with legal issues may be required including for advance care planning, appointing a power of attorney, completing a will and making an insurance, superannuation or social security claim on the basis of terminal illness or permanent disability.

Information needs

• Provide information for patients and families about arranging a funeral.
• Communicate about the death and dying process and what to expect.
• Communicate with all members of the care team that the patient has died.
• Provide appropriate information for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Spiritual needs

• Cater to specific spiritual needs that may benefit from involving pastoral care.
• Provide bereavement support for family and friends.
• Multidisciplinary teams should have access to suitably qualified, authorised and appointed spiritual caregivers who can act as a resource for patients, carers and staff.
• Patients with cancer and their families should have access to spiritual support that is appropriate to their needs throughout the cancer journey.